AI push powers GE aerospace in India

Bengaluru has emerged as a key hub in GE Aerospace’s global innovation drive, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a central role in shaping the company’s future aircraft engines. According to Alok Nanda, Chief Technology Officer of GE Aerospace in India, AI is proving to be a “game changer” in exploring design spaces more efficiently and ensuring improved predictability in engine maintenance.

At the heart of this transformation is the John F Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC) in Bengaluru. Established 25 years ago, it is one of GE’s largest integrated multidisciplinary R&D centres outside the US. Every aircraft engine launched or certified by GE since its inception has borne the imprint of the Bengaluru team, which has contributed over 1,000 aviation technology patents and played a crucial role in developing CFM LEAP, GEnx, and GE9X engines.

The centre’s Aerospace Services Technology Lab is pioneering the use of AI for engine inspection and maintenance. Through Analytics-Based Maintenance, GE helps airlines predict service intervals based on real-world operations, offering greater reliability and efficiency. Upstream AI tools are being deployed to optimize design for next-generation engines.

The Bengaluru team is also contributing to the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) programme, aimed at achieving over 20% fuel efficiency improvement, while supporting work in hybrid-electric propulsion and alternative fuels.

Nanda credits India’s talent pool and enthusiasm for GE’s success, highlighting training initiatives like the Edison Engineering Development Programme and Next Engineers. “The next is inventing the future of flight,” he said.